Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado raised alarm over a growing human trafficking scheme, as seven Filipina victims were repatriated on October 23. These women, aged 20 to 30, were recruited abroad to work as surrogate mothers for unknown clients.
According to BI records, three of the victims left the country claiming tourist visits to relatives but were deceived by false promises about surrogacy. The remaining four had no records, indicating they likely exited through unauthorized means.
This case comes just days after BI officers intercepted a 37-year-old woman recruited for surrogacy and headed to Georgia on October 15.
Viado noted that investigations reveal a typical scheme where traffickers recruit online, then arrange complex travel through multiple borders to avoid detection.
“The Philippines is being targeted by traffickers who lure women with surrogacy offers. We urge Filipinos to avoid these offers, as surrogacy abroad often carries serious legal risks,” said Viado.
The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) assisted the women upon arrival and continues to work with other agencies to combat trafficking risks.
The DOJ earlier reported filing charges against a woman allegedly involved in recruiting victims for the scheme.
